Today's Holiday:

Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby! This iconic American holiday is a celebration of horse racing, fashion, and Southern charm. Held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, the Derby is a premier event that brings together horse enthusiasts, socialites, and partygoers alike. One of the most recognizable traditions is the extravagant hats worn by ladies, which have become a staple of the event. The Derby is also famous for its mint juleps, a refreshing cocktail made with bourbon, mint, and sugar, which is sipped on while cheering on the horses as they thunder down the track.

Learn more about Kentucky Derby
Other Holidays Today:

Free Comic Book Day

Free Comic Book Day, 5/2/2026: Discover exclusive comics, events, and activities for all ages, promoting literacy, creativity, and community. more >>

Brothers and Sisters Day

Brothers and Sisters Day, 5/2/2026: Honor the special bond between siblings, share laughter, tears, and memories. more >>

Beer Pong Day

Get ready for a fun-filled gathering with friends, cool beverages, and a twist of competition! This celebration is all about tossing a ping-pong ball into a cup, requiring skill, strategy, and a dash of luck. Whether you're a pro or a newbie, this th... more >>

Baby Day

Welcome to a day dedicated to the little bundles of joy! It's a celebration of new life, innocence, and the unconditional love that babies bring to our lives. From tender coos to cuddly snuggles, this special day honors the tiny humans who bring so m... more >>

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, 5/2/2026: Join forces to reduce wildfire risk, create defensible spaces, and empower communities for a safer future. more >>

National Truffle Day

National Truffle Day, 5/2/2026: Indulge in rich, velvety truffles, paired with coffee or wine, and discover unique flavors on this decadent holiday. more >>

National Homebrew Day

National Homebrew Day, 5/2/2026: Join fellow enthusiasts in brewing creativity, experimentation, and camaraderie, sharing latest creations and learning from each other. more >>

Pilates Day

Pilates Day, May 2, 2026: Join global enthusiasts for free classes, workshops, and events, focusing on body awareness, flexibility, and strength. more >>

Childhood Stroke Awareness Day

Childhood Stroke Awareness Day, 5/2/2026: Learn about the warning signs and symptoms of pediatric stroke, and how to improve diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for young survivors. more >>
Today's Birthdays:

Dwayne Johnson

54 Years Old

A charismatic actor and former professional wrestler, known for his tough-guy persona and blockbuster movie roles in films like Jumanji and Fast & Furious.

David Beckham

51 Years Old

A former professional footballer who won numerous titles with top clubs, and a fashion icon known for his stylish looks and endorsement deals.

Christine Baranski

74 Years Old

An Emmy-winning actress and singer, known for her iconic roles in TV shows like "Cybill" and "The Good Wife," as well as films like "Chicago" and "Mamma Mia!"

Pat McAfee

39 Years Old

Former NFL punter turned charismatic sports analyst and media personality, known for his outspoken commentary and entertaining podcast.

Benjamin Spock

Died in 1998, aged 94

A renowned pediatrician who wrote a groundbreaking childcare book, "Baby and Child Care," which revolutionized parenting practices and became a cultural phenomenon. He was also an ...

Catherine the Great

Died in 1796, aged 67

Empress of Russia from 1762 to 1796, she transformed her country into a major European power, modernizing its culture, politics, and economy through numerous reforms and conquests.

David Suchet

80 Years Old

A renowned actor celebrated for his iconic portrayal of Agatha Christie's detective Hercule Poirot in a long-running TV series, bringing the character to life with his distinctive ...

Lily Allen

41 Years Old

A British pop sensation known for catchy, confessional songwriting and outspoken persona, blending wit and vulnerability in chart-topping hits like "Smile" and "The Fear".

James Dyson

79 Years Old

Founded a technology company that designs and manufactures innovative home appliances, such as vacuum cleaners and hair dryers, known for their sleek designs and improved functiona...

Lou Gramm

76 Years Old

Lead vocalist of Foreigner, known for iconic rock ballads like "I Want to Know What Love Is" and "Waiting for a Girl Like You".

Donatella Versace

71 Years Old

Italian fashion designer and current Versace CEO, known for revitalizing the brand and creating iconic, bold designs that blend glamour and rock 'n' roll .

Lesley Gore

Died in 2015, aged 68

A 1960s pop icon behind hits like "You Don't Own Me" and "It's My Party," known for empowering feminist anthems and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

Events from History Today:
81 years ago
Soviet Union captures Berlin from Nazi Germany (Berlin, Germany) 1945
The Red Army's relentless push has finally paid off! After weeks of brutal fighting, the Soviet Union announces the fall of Berlin, the capital of Nazi Germany, marking a crucial turning point in World War II. As Soviet troops swamp the city, German resistance crumbles, and the once-feared Nazi regime teeters on the brink of collapse. This monumental victory paves the way for the Allied forces' ultimate triumph.
15 years ago
Osama bin Laden killed by US special forces in Pakistan (Abbottabad, Pakistan) 2011
In a daring, darkness-shrouded raid, American Navy SEALs descended upon a heavily fortified compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, to exact justice on the world's most wanted terrorist - Osama bin Laden. The mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, which claimed nearly 3,000 innocent lives, had evaded capture for nearly a decade. In a 40-minute operation, U.S. special forces breached the compound, engaging in a fierce firefight before finally, bin Laden fell to the ground, slain by American bullets. The news sent shockwaves of relief and jubilation across the globe, marking a triumphant milestone in the War on Terror.
81 years ago
German forces in Italy surrender, ending WWII combat (Caserta, Italy) 1945
German troops in Italy, exhausted and demoralized, laid down their arms as the surrender agreement signed at the Royal Palace of Caserta took effect. This pivotal moment marked the end of World War II combat in Italy, a crucial Allied victory that paved the way for the final defeat of Nazi Germany. The surrender, negotiated by German General Heinrich von Vietinghoff, signaled the collapse of the Axis powers and foreshadowed the impending collapse of the Third Reich.
81 years ago
US Troops Uncover Wöbbelin Concentration Camp Horror (Wöbbelin, Ludwigslust, Germany) 1945
In the final days of World War II, American soldiers stumbled upon a ghastly scene at Wöbbelin concentration camp, where they found the emaciated bodies of over 1,000 prisoners, most of whom had succumbed to starvation. As the 82nd Airborne Division arrived at the camp, they were met with an eerie silence, broken only by the faint whispers of the few surviving prisoners. The gruesome discovery was a solemn reminder of the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime, and served as a poignant testament to the human cost of war.
81 years ago
US Soldiers Rescue Prisoners from Dachau Death March (Southern Bavaria, Germany) 1945
In the midst of war-torn southern Bavaria, an unlikely group of heroes emerged - the segregated, all-Nisei 522nd Field Artillery Battalion of the US Army. As they advanced through the German countryside, they stumbled upon a gruesome scene: a death march of gaunt, exhausted prisoners from Dachau, forced to trudge towards the Austrian border. With compassion and valor, the Nisei soldiers intervened, liberating the prisoners from their Nazi captors and providing them with desperately needed food, water, and medical care. This heroic act of humanity not only saved hundreds of lives but also served as a beacon of hope amidst the devastation of war.
18 years ago
Cyclone Nargis Devastates Burma, Killing Thousands (Rangoon, Burma) 2008
Cyclone Nargis, a powerful storm, slammed into Burma's Irrawaddy Delta, bringing with it catastrophic winds and torrential rains. The storm surge swept through coastal villages, destroying homes and crops, and triggered widespread flooding that stranded millions. The brutal force of the cyclone left a staggering 138,000 people dead, with millions more displaced and homeless. The international community scrambled to provide aid, but the Burmese junta's strict control and reluctance to accept foreign assistance hindered relief efforts, exacerbating the human toll.
Notable deaths on this date:
2011Osama bin Laden Infamous Saudi Arabian terrorist and founder of Al-Qaeda
1519Leonardo da Vinci Renaissance mastermind who excelled in art, science, and engineering
1972J. Edgar Hoover Pioneering FBI director who shaped law enforcement
2006Louis Rukeyser Renowned American journalist and author of financial literature
1984Bob Clampett Legendary animator and director, bringing joy to generations with his work.
2009Jack Kemp Ambitious American football player and politician
2015Michael Blake American author and screenwriter who explored themes of family and identity
1984Jack Barry Beloved game show host who delighted TV audiences
1957Joseph McCarthy American politician and judge who played a significant role in McCarthyism
2015Maya Plisetskaya Pioneering Russian-Lithuanian ballerina who revolutionized classical dance
1980George Pal Pioneering animator who brought fantastical worlds to life
2014Efrem Zimbalist Jr. American actor best known for his iconic roles in film and television
2016Afeni Shakur Influential American music businesswoman and activist in the Black Panther movement
1999Oliver Reed Legendary British stage and screen actor
2015Ruth Rendell Renowned English author of psychological thrillers and mysteries
2009Marilyn French Influential American author and feminist thinker
1997John Eccles Australian neuroscientist who unraveled secrets of the brain
2013Jeff Hanneman American guitarist and songwriter who founded the band Slayer
2010Lynn Redgrave Talented English-American actress and singer
2024Peter Oosterhuis Respected English golfer and broadcasting personality